Office interior paint colors


25 Best Office Paint Colors

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Pale Oak by Benjamin Moore

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Pale Oak by Benjamin Moore

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“A pale green, like Benjamin Moore’s Pale Oak, is easy on the eyes and helps keep stress levels down. An office can often be a place that is tense, so counteracting that with a restful tone can be just what you need.” Marika Meyer of Meyer Interiors

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Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball

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Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball

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“We love a dark, bold color for an office wall, trim, and ceilings. Using a deeper tone helps distinguish the room the minute you step foot inside and close the door behind you. It feels cozy.” —Julie Massucco Kleiner of Massucco Warner

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Lichen by Farrow & Ball

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Lichen by Farrow & Ball

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“I once read that olive green is the traditional color of peace. I can’t think of a place more in need of peace than a coworking space designed for a family with teenagers!” —Marika Meyer 

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4

Dead Salmon by Farrow & Ball

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Dead Salmon by Farrow & Ball

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“This is one of my favorite colors of all time, and not just because of its fantastic name. It’s a great choice for an office due to its mellowing effect. It’s not too pink but also not too fleshy and looks great with aged wood and modern materials.” —Bella Zakarian Mancini of Bella Mancini Design

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Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore

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Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore

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“Blue is always a go-to color, but it really sets the tone in the office.  On the one hand, blue is thought of as a calming, peaceful color, and darker shades are also associated with intelligence and strength. If you want an office that inspires deep thoughts and concentration, Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore is a great choice. ” —Marika Meyer

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Nickel by Benjamin Moore

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Nickel by Benjamin Moore

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“Nickel by Benjamin Moore is a light gray with blue hues that’s perfect for a home-office space. The lightness of the color produces a calming and peaceful aesthetic. The blue hues stimulate the mind, increase productivity, and help you stay focused! Who doesn’t like to be calm and focused when it comes to work?” Nina Magon of Contour Interior Design

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7

West Coast by Benjamin Moore

7

West Coast by Benjamin Moore

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“I love this shade—it’s warm and clean at the same time. Blue is the easiest color to live and work with, and along with the reflective quality of a glossy finish, it helps bring the outdoors inside.” —Caroline Rafferty of Caroline Rafferty Interiors

8

Studio Green 93 by Farrow & Ball

“This deep, dark green, in either a matte or satin finish, will bring a dramatic mood to any home office. It is a true Renaissance color! The rich, saturated pigments respond extremely well to all types of light and remarkably emerge much greener than on the color card. Since green is the color of growth, life, and renewal, an office clad in this hue will promote calmness, harmony, a strong sense of balance, reassurance, safety, and productivity.” —Keita Turner of Keita Turner Design

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9

Pointing by Farrow & Ball

“We used Pointing by Farrow & Ball in our own office. It is one of my favorite off-whites and acts like a fabulous Instagram filter. It gives your room that perfect warm glow that you only get with natural sunlight.” —Alyssa Kapito of Alyssa Kapito Interiors

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10

St. John Blue by Benjamin Moore

“The color is deep but not too overwhelming, as we needed a great base to work from in a creative office! One might think that too much color in an office space would be distracting, but it’s actually more inspiring and motivating, while the deep blue of this hue is simultaneously relaxing and tranquil.—Kati Curtis of Kati Curtis Design

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11

Gentleman’s Gray by Benjamin Moore

“I love using dark and moody colors in separate home office spaces, especially behind French or glass doors. Benjamin Moore’s Gentleman’s Gray is a watery blue-black, and when the light hits it, you see lots of teal. It looks especially good in a room with ample natural light. Colors you can’t quite put your finger on keep you thinking, which is perfect for a work space!” —Claire Staszak of Centered by Design

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12

Simply White by Benjamin Moore

“As a creative, I prefer a crisp and clean palette for my office spaces. Benjamin Moore’s Simply White is my favorite in this instance. It’s bright, serene, and fresh without feeling too stark, which I love. Not only does a bright white space allow you to begin each day with a clean slate and a clear mind, but it also affords you the ability to switch out little details as your taste (or the seasons) shift, providing a brand-new space with little effort each and every time.Jacquelyn Clark of Lark & Linen

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13

RAL 8022 from RAL Color Chart

“This dark, bold color in the Eurolux matte finish makes a powerful statement. Its sepia tones are eye-catching while at the same time understated, creating the perfect corporate aesthetic.” —Patrick Planeta of Planeta Design Group

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Katja Cho

14

Charmed Violet by Benjamin Moore

“The color you choose will affect your mood and influence how you feel. Choose colors that make you happy and keep you motivated. Charmed Violet will change your vibe in your bedroom or office in a positive and confident way!” Moll Anderson

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Katja Cho

15

Blue Note by Benjamin Moore

“This deep, rich color instantly brings some moody vibes into any home office. The saturated color is one of my favorites when you want to bring some drama into that drab home office of yours.” Emily Henderson

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Katja Cho

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16

Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore

“Office life can sometimes be drab and lackluster. Add a fresh coat of light gray to keep the office light and bright, and invigorate your team with an accent wall in a bright color.” Taniya Nayak

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17

Full Moon by Benjamin Moore

“I love Benjamin Moore’s Full Moon for an office. It’s a calming white, but still fresh and bright enough to keep you from falling asleep on the job! It also creates a nice, clean backdrop for bookcase accessorizing.” Christine Markatos Lowe

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18

Blue Echo by Benjamin Moore

“I believe life should be lived in color, and your work space is no exception. This rich blue has subtle tones of gray and works for every square inch of the room when you vary the sheen—walls, trim, bookcases, you name it. It provides a pleasant environment to inspire creative minds!” Meredith Ellis

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Katja Cho

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19

Shaded White by Farrow & Ball

“It has that washed-out café au lait color that I love. Shaded White is very saturated, so if you like a stronger color, I would go for it! This color creates the perfect backdrop for decorating. It can go either masculine or feminine, which is a nice trick for an office. I’ve paired this wall color with black accents, a black desk, and some black and tan upholstery to create a super graphic, masculine space. I’ve also used the same color and mixed it with lots of pretty reds and blues to create a more feminine space. It’s a neutral, but a neutral with personality!” —Eric Hughes

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Katja Cho

20

Oval Room Blue by Farrow & Ball

“There’s typically an overabundance of wood in most home offices, so I prefer to stay away from neutrals and choose a complementary color. This soft blue-green hue offsets the warmth in most woods and creates a sense of calm in an area where you need it most. It looks especially beautiful on built-in cabinetry and crown moldings for an unexpected twist!”Donna Mondi

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21

Shoreline by Benjamin Moore

“I love to use Shoreline by Benjamin Moore in a home office. It’s a beautiful gray that feels light, crisp, and peaceful — doesn’t that sound like the best place to work?” —Kimille Taylor

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Katja Cho

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22

Silver Mist by Benjamin Moore

“I love blue-grays in office spaces because they give off a very tailored and clean backdrop to the space. White is always a go-to, but I also love to play with different tones of gray. One of my favorite selections is Silver Mist by Benjamin Moore. Different shades of gray in an office can create a rich, neutral ombré effect in a stark corporate environment that needs a boost.—Elisa Shankle

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23

Stiffkey Blue by Farrow & Ball

“I am currently obsessed with Farrow & Ball’s Stiffkey Blue. I love using this rich deep-blue color in a gloss finish for cabinetry in a home office or even on a front door. Mixing it with copper and other metallic finishes makes everything feel very elegant. It also looks great on walls in general or simply on an accent wall to create a dramatic space with a more contemporary twist. It’s a dreamy shade that complements many other colors, yet it is warm and soft.” —Birgit Klein of Birgit Klein Interiors

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24

Strong White by Farrow & Ball

“For an office paint color, I would suggest Farrow & Ball’s Strong White. It is versatile and easy to use in a lot of different types of spaces. For an office, you want that fresh, clean, and inspiring feeling. This white will give you that beautiful and airy vibe.” Lauren Soloff

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Katja Cho

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25

Super White by Benjamin Moore

“My favorite paint color for an office is Benjamin Moore’s Super White. The color feels really clean and bright, which helps invigorate you and get you ready to work!” Melanie Burstin

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Katja Cho

The Best Paint Colors for Your Home Office

Caroline Biggs, Freelance Writer portrait

By Caroline Biggs Updated September 29, 2020

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

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Credit: Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

These expert-approved shades will help you transform any room into a more productive workspace.

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two short stools beneath long desk

Credit: Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Never underestimate the impact the right wall paint can have in a home office—especially now, when the workspaces in our houses have replaced so many of our office cubicles. Not only is color an easy way to refresh a lackluster room, but the right paint hue could help increase productivity—after all, some paint colors are believed to have positive psychological effects. Studies even suggest that certain shades help stimulate your brain, while other hues are said to have calming effects that can lower stress levels (something we could all use a little more of these days, as we juggle full-time jobs, virtual school, and more). "A workspace is all about productivity, so you want to choose paint colors that will keep your energy focused and also have a calming effect," says Nicole Gibbons, interior designer and founder of Clare. "Even a controlled pop of color in a floral arrangement can spark creativity. "

For this reason, it's important to select a paint color for your home office that actually inspires you. "A home office is likely to be a place you spend a lot of your day in, so it's important to consider colors that you are happy to be around for long periods of time," says Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. "Soothing, earthy colors like greens and blues evoke a feeling of calm if you are looking to reduce stress. While light colors, such as warm whites, are great if you want to create a room free of distraction."

Not sure what shade to paint your own home office? We reached out to a few of our favorite color experts for advice. From calming browns and greens to stimulating yellows and beyond, these are the hues that will help create your idea work environment.

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Warm Gray-Beige

gray office space

Credit: Getty / imaginima

If you have trouble focusing while working from home, Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin-Williams, suggests painting your office in a rich, comforting shade of beige-gray to help stop your mind from wandering. "Fawn Brindle SW 7640 is a lovely warm gray-beige that will calm the mind and help you focus on the tasks of the day," she says. "Plus, it goes with everything, so it will fade right into the background behind your other office décor."

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Dark Blue

floor to ceiling navy blue wall shelving book case with yellow couch

Credit: Jennifer Hughes

If you're scared to commit to a dark paint color in a highly-trafficked area of your home, Nivara Xaykao, Color Marketing and Development Expert at Benjamin Moore, says an office or study is a great alternative. "A dark, muted blue, like Blue Note 2129-30, can really distinguish a workspace and give it a special, luxurious quality that you'll want to return to," she explains. "Dark colors also provide a great backdrop for computer monitors or TVs because they can both minimize visual distractions, as well as camouflage these media items a bit."

Navy also fits into this category: It's a neo-neutral that's every bit as versatile as it is refreshing. "A warm navy, like our 2020 Color of the Year, Naval, is rooted in nature and creates a meditative atmosphere for maximum productiveness," Wadden says.

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Warm White

plaid chair at wooden desk in home office

Credit: Haris Kenjar

A little warm white paint goes a long way towards grounding your home office. "If you want limited visual distraction and a 'clean' space, try a warm white such as Orange Coloured White," O'Donnell says. "This will bring just a hint of warmth to a room, and works especially well if your home office is north facing.

Hannah Yeo, the color marketing and development manager at Benjamin Moore, agrees: "Warm off-whites, such as Dove Wing OC-18, are soft and easy on the eyes. They also make a great backdrop color to decorate with to spark creativity."

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Earthy Green

earth green office

Credit: Getty / Westend61

To set a calming tone for your workspace, Erika Woelfel, a color expert at Behr Paint, recommends painting your home office a subdued shade of muted green. "Quiet, relaxed hues are soothing and versatile, and most importantly, aren't distracting," she explains. "A shade like Jojoba (N390-3) will provide a comforting canvas for however you might want to decorate or configure the room."

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Soft Pink

shelving-desk-523-d112185.jpg

Credit: Aaron Dyer

Believe it or not, our experts say some shades of pink are more than just pretty to look at. "Warmer hues such as peach and soft corals are known to help improve focus and boost concentration and creativity, which is perfect for a home office area," Gibbons says. "A soft pink like Wing It or even a punchier hue like Pop can provide an inspiring atmosphere for a home office setting.

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Coral and Peach

Wadden adds to this, noting that if you have a creative career or are otherwise visually inspired at work, a bold, playful shade of coral pink or peach is a must. "Coral Reef SW 6606 is a vibrant pink that will help keep your energy up throughout the day," she explains. "Simple white accents let the color shine, but it also works well with glamorous gold finishes or toned down with natural woods."

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Yellow

modern office with yellow accent wall

Credit: Getty / poligonchik

Bright and stimulating, yellow wall paint is a foolproof way to liven up an uninspired home office. "A yellow hue, like Charismatic, is sure to brighten up your workspace," says Woelfel. "It infuses energy and optimism into a room to enhance creativity."

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True Green

green office

Credit: Getty / KatarzynaBialasiewicz

Green can be calming and it can also be energizing—something you need when deadlines approach. "A bright, jazzy green, like Alexandrite SW 0060, brings a touch of playfulness to a home office," says Wadden. "Keep accents neutral, such as gold and silver, or try white décor so the room stays uncluttered. "

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Brown

wooden desk in brown-painted at home office

Credit: Courtesy of Farrow & Ball

If you thought brown walls were boring, then it's time to think again. According to our experts, a warm brown office can help you stay serene and focused all day long. "Mid-brown tones, like Broccoli Brown, are calming," O'Donnell explains, "and can focus the mind on the important tasks at hand."

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Pale Blue

white vase of greenery atop blue book case

Credit: Courtesy of Clare

If you're looking for an eye-catching wall color that will also help you stay calm and collected throughout the day, look no further than a fresh shade of blue. "If your job requires long stretches of focused time, choose a clean, fresh blue hue, like Nairobi Blue," Gibbons says. "Blue is universally known as a productive color that can help you stay calm, thus helping you to remain focused on the task at hand. "

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Blue-Green

blue green office space

Credit: Getty / Westend61

Dreaming of a cool-toned home office but can't decide between a calming blue palette or an invigorating shade of green? "A coastal blue-green, such as Dragonfly creates a soothing sanctuary for productivity and mindfulness," Woelfel says. "If you aren't ready to use this color on the walls, consider painting a bookshelf instead."

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Dry Erase Paint

home office with plants and dry-erase wall

Credit: Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Why settle for regular paint when you can have a whole dry-erasable wall instead? "Make an entire home office wall a dry erase board by painting a clear coat of Notable Dry Erase Paint over your choice of wall color," says Yeo—it's the ultimate option if you share your workspace with your kids, who might need the wall for virtual school.  

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